Ab-tightening exercises you'll want to do behind closed doors

In the words of one woman: "I don't care why it happens, but just am happy it does."

Yep, we said coregasm. It's an orgasm some women can have when performing certain ab exercises. Experts say that this wacky core-induced climax could be due to a number of factors: the tightening of pelvic muscles, the build up of tension and even nerve impulses. Explanation aside, we figure it's worth trying.

*NOTE: These ab moves are just suggestions--we can't guarantee you a coregasm, but these belly-busting moves will definitely help whittle your waist.

Hang from a pullup bar with your hands shoulder-width apart and your hips centered under your body so there's a straight line from your hands to the bottom of your hips (A). Keeping your legs and back straight and using a slow, controlled motion, raise your legs until they're parallel to the floor (B). Slowly lower your legs. That's one rep. Do four to six. Feeling extra Barnumesque? Try to raise your feet above 90 degrees (C).

Perfect Form As you raise your legs, don't swing them or let momentum do the work. Concentrate on keeping your butt down, as if you're sitting on a chair.

MOVE 2Hanging Side Crunches

SETS

REPS

1

20 on each side

Hang from the bar, holding it with your palms facing forward, and bring your knees up so that your thighs and torso form a 90-degree angle (A). Next, pinch at your left side, curling your left hip up toward your left shoulder (B). Use your core to keep yourself from swinging, and repeat to the right. Continue alternating sides for 20 reps. This is one of Cummings' favorite moves because it strengthens your entire core. It's really hard to get the very sides of your abs, she says, and you really need these muscles for everything you do  even walking. To make it easier, use a machine that allows your elbows and arms to support your body weight, or use straps on the chin-up bar to add support.

MOVE 3Single-Leg Plank

Beth Bischoff

Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Cross your arms over your chest and raise the lower half of your right leg until it's in line with your left thigh (A). Press your left foot into the floor and contract your glutes as you lift your torso so it's in line with your thighs (B). Hold. Rest for one minute, then repeat, raising the opposite leg.

Works abs, hips, and glutes

Week 1
Hold each move until your fatigue level reaches 9 (your arms are about to give out) on a scale of 1 to 10. Do one rep of each move, noting your time. Rest for one minute between moves.

Week 2
Add four seconds to your times from Week 1. Do one full circuit, resting for one minute between moves.

Week 3
Add one second to your times from Week 2. Do two full circuits, resting for one minute between moves.

Week 4
Add four seconds to your times from Week 3. Do two full circuits, resting for one minute between moves.

Week 5
Add one second to your times from Week 4. Do three full circuits, resting for one minute between moves.

MOVE 4Arm Pull Over Straight-Leg Crunch

Beth Bischoff

SETS

REPS

REST

3

15

30 seconds

Grab a pair of 10- to 12-pound dumbbells and lie on your back with your arms behind you. Extend your legs at a 45-degree angle (A). Bring your arms up over your chest and lift your shoulders off the mat while raising your legs until they're perpendicular to the floor (B). Return to start (don't let your legs touch the floor). That's 1 rep.

Works upper back, abs, and hips

MOVE 5Medicine Ball Blast

SETS

REPS

1

12 to 15

Set an adjustable ab bench at a 45-degree angle. Lie down on it with your head toward the floor and hook your feet under the padded support bar. Hold a medicine ball at your chest as you lower yourself A. As you come up, chest-pass the ball straight up (B). Catch it at the top of the movement, then lower yourself and repeat.